I have a 1995 e320 sedan with 80k on the odometer. I live in Wilmington, DE. The car gets infrequent use. My wife was having starting problems, (even back when it was warm outside). They would come and go. Sometimes it would start, other times it would not. Engine always cranks but doesn't seem to get enough gas. This is what the local mechanic told me. He couldn't replicate, (the non-starting when he had the vehicle) so he didn't really know how to solve the problem. He said go to the dealership.

I read here, and at other sites on the Web that this problem is common in this year and model. I replaced the fuel pump relay, charged the battery, (the car sits a lot and the battery was weak) and bang starts right up. Come down the next morning and back to cranks and won't start. I'm an aging desk jockey, not a mechanic, is there anything I can do to fix this problem? Wife is pissed I won't go to dealership. Not for things I can "plug in" I told her. There are other cars for her to use but she wants this one fixed, (as do I). Any help would be greatly appreciated (and followed). Gregg

With a car that has such low miles, I'd start investigating if the wiring harness and/or electronic throttle (ETA) has been replaced yet along with the OVP relay.

Do a search and you'll know what I mean. The 92-97MB used a treehugger friendly type wiring which was supposed to be eco-friendly and be recycled at the end of the car's lifespan. Only problem is that the W124s last a LOT longer than your average car.

I had very similar issues with a 93 300E m104 3.2L, it would sometime just not start, seemed like it was not getting any fuel, but it had pressure at the fuel rail & the pump was spinning. I'm not getting any other issues that might point to a bad OVP like bad idle or cruise issues, so I went with the CPS, Crank Position Sensor, the one that goes from the EZL to near the starter at the flywheel. My car ahd gotten to the point of absolutely no start at all. After the replacement of the CPS, instant start. I've started it multiple times since without issue, but the car is currently banished to the garage until the roads no longer have salt on them. I vote to change the CPS, $129 + labor , which is about medium difficulty do to location and routing of the wire, but technically easy - unplug, unbolt, remove, replace, rebolt, replug...

Hi and thanks to all who responded. Not being a mechanic, (just an aging lawyer) I went with the easiest fix that I could pull off myself. I replaced the OVP. Wow! You wouldn't know I ever had a problem. Starts right up! Thanks for all the good information. It was truly insightful and invaluable. I love when I can actually fix something myself and you guys helped. I would never have known to replace that relay if not for the Forum. Gregg